Katra is known as Home of the famous shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. It is said that only those can go to Katra who has “Mata ka bulawa”. If you are also among such a person who is going to Vaishno Devi then this Article is for you. Before going to Katra you should keep some points in check, like rules, regulations, routes and things to carry for your trip. If you are confused about how to get to Katra then you can hire a taxi service in Katra for transportations.
Katra
Katra is the base camp for the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. You can reach here by taxi, personal vehicles, and public transportations. The shrine is located at a height of 1600m above sea level. On Reaching Katra you need to register yourself for Yatra. Don’t worry the process is pretty easy and free of cost.
Beginning
After registration, you have to proceed towards the Banaganga River from where the trek begins. This trek is 14 km long and very tiresome but all your efforts pay off when you reach “Bhawan”.
This is not a trek with natural views; you will find a lot of devotees, mules, and pitthus on the way. This trek has a huge number of shops on the way which offers snacks, food, artifacts, photoshoots, and Bhajan CDs.
Middle
After 8 km of the trek, you will reach Ardhkumari from where two routes diverge. if you are on a mule then you should go from Sanji chaht and if you are walking then you should go from the left-hand side route of Ardhkumari, which directly leads to Bhawan. We would suggest you take this route, as it is free of mules and clean.
End
Just before reaching the Bhawan there is a check post where you will be checked thoroughly for security purposes. After that, you will reach the auspicious cave of Mata Vaishno Devi. You need to wait in line for darshan. After that, you can decide whether to descend or go to Baba Bhairavnath temple, 5 km above the cave.
Best time to visit
Throughout the year, it is a good time to visit Katra, but May to July is best as the weather is moderate and you will love it.
Best time to Ascend
We would suggest you start your trekking in the early morning so that you will return by the evening. Don’t ascend during the evening as it will be difficult at the night.
Clothes to wear
Do wear comfortable loose clothes and carry water bottles with you. Do not carry a lot of weight as it will be difficult to trek with the weight.
Hotels
Do reserve your hotels in advance in Katra, as it is very crowded during season time and difficult to find the rooms. So these are the advices that you need to follow in order to go to mata vaishno devi. Your travel will be comfortable and awesome if properly planned in advance.